i think you should be entitled to see whatever they've already done and if they haven't made a substantial start on your concept plans i'd be seeking alternate professional advice and i would also get legal advice about the legality of a contract with no time lines...with such a big investment it could be worthwhile to have several basic concept plans and maybe use that experience to choose the architect that you'll be happy to continue working with...it's not the delay that bothers me it's the lack of any explanation and no deadline on your contract.. at such an early stage it makes me wonder what's causing delays and why haven't you been told...medical emergency is forgivable, long delays caused by inefficient work practices should not be your problem and perhaps this is a warning of potential ongoing problems and it's time to ask them in writing to deliver or explain why you shouldn't seek an alternate architect

Have to agree with both comments, first step is to speak with your architect about your concerns to give them a chance to explain and if you are still not satisfied I would then approach The Australian Institute of Architects, see attached link..

There's a lot of money involved and if you and your chosen Architect can't communicate at this stage it's not going to be a good experience and both parties should agree to go your separate ways, good luck, but do speak to the architect asap.

https://acumen.architecture.com.au/CAA2019

Ive been following up each time he gives me a date but then doesn't deliver so part of me thinks Ive given him plenty of chances already. But on the hand, I really like his previous designs so have been holding off terminating the contract. Problem is, we have time constraints (which he knew about before he took on the job) so its placing us under a bit of stress.

I get in contact again today but I expect he'll just tell me "next week" again.

Don't except next week

Ask him to show you what he has done so far

I allow approx. 3 weeks for an initial concept if I have contour surveys, etc. already at hand. This also includes working around other projects not just a solid 3 weeks on yours only. If it was complex then allowing more time would have been obvious to the designer.

Basic concept plan could be a floor plan/s or could be a quality rendering in 3D with floor plans and elevations?

Most jobs have site specific challenges but these are well known usually as the fee proposal would have been adjusted to suit.

What were the fee's? Is there an initial start engagement fee thats already paid? What are they covering such as design and plans only or the full architectural service from start to finish?

Could be better to cut your losses and go elsewhere.

Choosing the right designer is equally important as choosing the builder and this may not be reflected in the fee's! Paying more may not be the better outcome as is paying too little.

Cut your losses, this is a red flag (& it’s only the beginning of the process).

Communication is critical to any architect project. So too is the ability to their manage workload and competing priorities. They haven’t demonstrated the ability to do either. That doesn’t bode well for the rest of your project. I’d cut my losses at this early stage and look for someone else.

Thank you for the responses.

Happy to say that I received the concept plan this week. It was completely different to what I was expecting but that's not necessarily a bad thing. Now I just hope that things move more quickly as we develop the concept plan into someone we are completely happy with.

at last but it would be good to establish some specific timelines to avoid any further stressful delays..hope you're happy with future progress

You have your full name on your post, so maybe he saw it. :o)